Who should consider having a seasonal flu vaccination?

You should have the seasonal flu vaccination if you:

• are at at greater risk from the effects of seasonal flu
  
• are aged 65 years or over
• live in a residential or nursing home
• are the main carer of an older or disabled person, or
• are pregnant (see the next section).

Paid and unpaid carers should also consider having the seasonal flu vaccination to reduce their chances of getting flu. They can then continue to help those they look after.

I am pregnant. Do I need a flu vaccination this year?

Yes. Pregnant women are being offered the flu vaccination this year. 

This is because the H1N1 virus (‘swine flu’) will still be circulating this winter and pregnant women who catch this strain are at an increased risk of severe disease and flu-related hospital admissions. However, if you have already had the swine flu vaccination you do not need the seasonal flu vaccination. 

If you are pregnant and in any of the clinical risk groups you should still have your seasonal flu vaccination as usual.

There are no known problems from giving the swine flu or seasonal flu vaccine to women who are pregnant.

Talk to your GP or midwife if you are unsure about what vaccination you should have.

I had both the seasonal and the swine flu vaccinations last year. Do I need any further flu jabs for this year?

Yes. The viruses that cause flu change every year. This means some of the flu strains that will be circulating this winter will be different from last winter’s. So the vaccine you need to protect you from these different strains will have to be different as well.

What about my children? Do they need the vaccination?

If you have a child who has one of the 'at risk' conditions, or who has previously been admitted to hospital with a serious chest or respiratory condition, they should have a seasonal flu vaccination. 

These children are more likely to become ill if they catch seasonal flu, and it could make their existing condition worse. 

Talk to your GP or practice nurse about your child having the seasonal flu vaccination.

Can the flu vaccine be given to my child at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes. The seasonal flu vaccine can be given at the same time as all routine childhood vaccines. The vaccination can go ahead if your child has a minor illness such as a cold but may be delayed if your child has an illness that causes a fever.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have the vaccination?

Almost everybody can have the vaccine, but you should not be vaccinated if you have had a serious allergy to the vaccine in the past, or if you have a serious allergy to hens’ eggs.

If you have a fever, the vaccination may be delayed.

Not all of the seasonal flu vaccines available are suitable for children. Please make sure that you discuss this with your GP beforehand.

Why is a seasonal flu vaccination my best protection against flu?

The vaccination will help your body to fight flu viruses. 

Your body starts making antibodies against the viruses about a week to ten days after the injection. 

These antibodies help to protect you for a whole year against similar seasonal flu viruses that you may come into contact with.

The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against the common cold or other winter viruses.

Will I get any side effects?

There are some fairly common but mild side effects. 

Some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected. 

Any other reactions are very rare.

Will the seasonal flu vaccine protect me completely?

Most people who have the seasonal flu vaccination will not get seasonal flu. However, like any vaccine, it does not give 100% protection. 

Out of every 100 people who have the vaccine up to 80 may be protected. The rest may have some protection that will reduce the severity of their symptoms.

How long will I be protected for?

The vaccine should provide protection throughout the forthcoming flu season.

What do I need to do now?

If you belong to one of the groups mentioned in this leaflet (and you are not allergic to hens’ eggs or to the vaccine), it’s important that you have your seasonal flu vaccination.

The vaccines are normally available from the beginning of October, but this depends on the manufacturing process.

Speak to your GP or practice nurse, or alternatively your local pharmacist, in the autumn to book a vaccination appointment and get the best possible protection.

It is best to have the seasonal flu vaccination in the autumn before any outbreaks of seasonal flu.

Remember that you need it every year, so don’t assume that you don’t need another vaccination because you had one last year.

For more information about how to protect yourself and your family this winter visit nhs.uk/winterhealth.

The flu jab is free. So make an appointment with your GP surgery.